Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.): A Comprehensive Reference
1. Identity, Botanical Description, and Common Forms
Botanical and Chemical Identity
Witch hazel, known scientifically as Hamamelis virginiana, belongs to the family Hamamelidaceae. It is commonly known as witch-hazel, common witch-hazel, American witch-hazel, and beadwood, and is a species of flowering shrub native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, and south to central Florida and eastern Texas. It is a small, deciduous tree or shrub growing up to 6 metres (20 ft), rarely to 10 m (33 ft) tall, often with a dense cluster of stems from its base.
The genus name Hamamelis is Latin, derived from the Greek meaning a kind of medlar or service tree, while the species name virginiana refers to its origin in Virginia. The plant's common English name, "witch hazel," has etymological roots in folk usage. The word "wicke" is Middle English for "lively" and "wych" is from the Anglo-Saxon word for "bend"; American witch hazel was probably called a Wicke Hazel by early white settlers because the dowsing end of the forked branch would bend when underground water was detected.
Witch hazel, also known as Hamamelis water, witch hazel extract, distilled witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana extract, is a versatile plant-based ingredient. It comes from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub.
Common Preparations and Dosage Forms
The method of manufacture significantly impacts the composition of witch hazel–derived ingredients. For example, distilled ingredients have fewer astringent tannins than a water extract. Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water is reported by one manufacturer to be supplied at 85%–86% with 14%–15% grain alcohol or ethanol.
The standard USP preparation process follows a defined procedure: Hamamelis/Witch hazel water is made by macerating recently cut and partially dried dormant twigs of Hamamelis virginiana in a ratio of 1:2 w/w (twigs:water) for 24 hours, then distilling the twigs to a ratio of 1:0.80–0.85 w/v (twigs:distillate), to which 14–15% of ethanol is added.
Semisolid topical dosage forms include creams, gels, lotions, ointments, pastes, and salves. For oral use, methods of preparation include dry and powdered non-standardized extracts, tinctures, fluid extracts, decoctions, and infusions. For buccal and throat use, acceptable dosage forms include gargles, liquids, mouthwashes, and solutions. Topically, steam distillates of Hamamelis are used diluted (1:3 with water) or undiluted, and in semisolid preparations at 5% to 10% of crude drug. Rectally, suppositories containing witch hazel contain from 0.1 to 1 g/dose.
An important practical distinction exists between different product types: the single most important thing to understand about witch hazel is the difference between distilled witch hazel water and actual bark/leaf extracts. Most people use the distilled water and assume they are getting the tannin-based benefits, but they are not. To obtain the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and vein-toning effects that research supports, products made from bark or leaf extracts that retain tannin content should be sought.
2. Traditional and Historical Use
Indigenous North American Traditions
Witch hazel was well known to the native people of North America, who appreciated its medicinal properties. It is commonly known as hamamelis, beadwood, and witch hazel, names which come from indigenous traditions and the plant's unique seed dispersal mechanism — its ripe fruit capsule opens and shoots seeds at a distance of several meters.
Native Americans produced witch hazel extract by boiling the stems of the shrub and producing a decoction, which was used to treat swellings, inflammations, and tumors. Decoctions of witch hazel were prepared by boiling the shrub (leaves and/or bark) and applying it to the skin to reduce inflammation, although preparations were also ingested for colds and fevers.
Specific tribal uses are documented across multiple groups. The Osage used the bark to treat sores and tumors, while the Potawatomi steamed away the pain of sore muscles by placing witch hazel twigs on the hot rocks of sweat lodges. Several tribes boiled the leaves and twigs to create a first-aid solution used for healing bruises and bumps on the head. Native Americans also used the leaves and bark as a poultice or tea to reduce inflammation and fever. Different tribes used the leaves, branches, and bark of the tree in different ways; tea was brewed to support respiratory and gastrointestinal health.
European Settler Adoption and Commercial History
Early Puritan settlers in New England adopted the remedy from the natives, and its use became widely established in the United States. Its use did not become widely established in the United States until the 19th century. A missionary, Dr. Charles Hawes, adopted the process of steam distillation of witch hazel twigs, creating a "Hawes Extract" product sold in Essex, Connecticut, in 1846, by Alvan Whittemore, a druggist and chemist.
The true medicinal use of witch hazel became widely known in the 1840s, when Theron T. Pond of Utica, NY studied the usage of this plant by the Oneida Indians. He found that they were using it for burns, boils, and wounds. He then created "Golden Treasure," made by steeping the shrub in a teakettle, creating an extract that could be used internally and externally. The liquid obtained was colored but clear as water and had a unique fragrance. Golden Treasure, otherwise known as Pond's Extract, was the first mass-marketed American-manufactured toiletry.
Thomas Newton Dickinson Sr. is credited with starting the commercial production of witch hazel extract in 1866, and eventually establishing nine production sites in eastern Connecticut during the 20th century.
Traditional Oral Uses
Traditional herbal medicine has used witch hazel orally as an astringent to help relieve diarrhoea, and to help relieve symptoms associated with varicose veins, such as painful and heavy legs. For buccal use, it has traditionally been used as an astringent to help relieve mild inflammations of the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Regulatory Recognition of Traditional Use
Today, witch hazel is recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the German Commission E for treating varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, sprains, minor wounds, and local skin and mucous membrane inflammation. Witch hazel is one of the very few botanical remedies approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration.
3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds
Phytochemical Profile
The plant's bark and leaves contain a rich array of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, proanthocyanidins, and tannins, many of which exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties.
The profile differs significantly between plant parts:
- Bark: The bark's main constituents are up to 10% tannins (with hamamelitannin), free gallic acid, monogalloylhamamelose, soft fats and waxes, and an essential oil with mostly sesquiterpenes. Additional bark constituents include condensed tannins such as d-gallocatechin, l-epigallocatechin, and l-epicatechin, as well as saponins, volatile oil, and resin.
- Leaves: The leaves do not contain hamamelitannin but have various flavone glycosides, including spiraeoside. Both bark and leaves contain volatile oil (0.1% and 0.01–0.05%, respectively), tannins and saponins (up to 12% and up to 5%, respectively); the leaves also contain flavonoids at approximately 1.9%.
- Volatile fraction: The volatile oil contains hexen-2-ol, hexenol, α- and β-ionones, eugenol, safrole (maximum 0.2% of the volatile oil), sesquiterpenes, and gallic acid.
Hamamelitannin: The Signature Compound
H. virginiana produces a specific kind of tannin called hamamelitannins. Hamamelitannin is present at approximately 1.5% in leaves and up to 65% in bark. Among all tannins, hamamelitannin (HT), with a molecular weight of 484.4 mg/mol, is the most abundant, though proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) have also been reported.
Phytochemical investigations of a glycolic bark extract identified hamamelitannin and proanthocyanidins as the most abundant compounds (respectively, 0.29% and 0.30% w/w extract).
Composition of Distillate vs. Polar Extracts
Tannins are the main compounds reported in polar extracts, while they are theoretically absent in distillates, which contain mainly volatile compounds. This distinction is pharmacologically critical: the astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties attributed to tannins will be present in full bark/leaf extracts but not in standard distilled witch hazel water.
4. Mechanisms of Action
Astringent and Protein-Precipitating Action
Due to the presence of tannins, proteins precipitate from the surface cells of the mucosa and tissues, forming a protective coating, reducing the formation of secretions, and protecting against infections. At lower concentrations, Hamamelis extracts decreased cell permeability, while at higher concentrations, a healing effect was produced by influence on proteins and colloidal tissue.
Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms
Witch hazel extracts exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine expression and NF-κB signaling, improving skin regeneration, and protecting against UV-induced damage and pollution. In acne-relevant research, a glycolic extract from witch hazel bark inhibited C. acnes–induced IL-6 release (IC50: 136.90 μg/mL) by partially impairing NF-κB activation; however, no antibacterial or antibiofilm activities were found. Additionally, the extract showed greater anti-inflammatory activity when TNF-α was used as a proinflammatory stimulus (IC50 of 38.93 μg/mL for IL-8 release), partially acting through antioxidant mechanisms, as shown for VEGF inhibition.
The effects of the extract are primarily based on the proanthocyanidin content, as hamamelitannin was found inactive on all anti-inflammatory parameters tested in those particular cell-based models. Proanthocyanidins are also potent inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in vitro.
One tannin in witch hazel extracts, hamamelitannin, can counteract the effects of tumor necrosis factor (a signaling protein involved in inflammation and cell death), possibly reducing swelling, itchiness, and rashes.
Antioxidant Mechanisms
Gallotannins, proanthocyanidins, and gallates are highly active free radical scavengers, accounting for the antioxidant action which protects the skin from free radical–induced damage. Hamamelitannin demonstrated in vitro antioxidant activity (inhibiting superoxide anion radicals) and protected murine skin fibroblasts from damage induced by UVB irradiation.
For DPPH radical scavenging, hamamelitannin had an IC50 value of 19.31 μg/mL, while the IC50 values for reference antioxidants BHA, BHT, Trolox, and α-Tocopherol were 10.10, 25.95, 7.05, and 11.31 μg/mL, respectively, placing hamamelitannin within a comparable antioxidant potency range to established food-grade antioxidants.
Wound-Healing Mechanisms
Witch hazel promotes wound healing by inhibiting elastase and collagenase, the enzymes which break down elastin and collagen that keep the skin intact, flexible, and strong. It reduces tissue damage from free radicals and, by constricting blood vessels locally, reduces swelling and itching caused by inflammation.
Vasoactive Mechanisms
Witch hazel contains astringent tannins that constrict blood vessels, reduce local inflammation, and alleviate minor bleeding and irritation. With its high tannin content, witch hazel acts as a natural astringent that helps reduce bleeding and irritation by stabilizing the capillary walls and decreasing vascular permeability.
5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use
5.1 Skin Inflammation and Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Several clinical trials on patients with eczema and solar erythema have been conducted using distillates with conflicting results; on the contrary, polar extracts were poorly investigated, although they showed a general anti-inflammatory activity in several in vivo studies.
One double-blind trial found that a topical witch hazel ointment (applied four times per day) was as effective as the topical anti-inflammatory drug bufexamac for people with eczema. However, another trial found that witch hazel was no better than a placebo when compared to hydrocortisone.
Applying a cream containing witch hazel to the skin for 14 days does not seem to improve itchy and inflamed skin in people with moderate eczema according to one clinical outcome. Applying witch hazel cream seems to relieve mild skin irritation, but not as well as hydrocortisone.
Evidence strength: Mixed and limited. Trials are small, head-to-head comparisons are few, and results conflict depending on the preparation used (distillate vs. extract). The clinical evidence does not robustly support witch hazel as a first-line eczema treatment.
5.2 UV-Induced Erythema and Sunburn
Research on the anti-inflammatory effects of witch hazel is limited, but one study on 40 people found that a lotion with 10% distilled witch hazel had anti-inflammatory effects on skin that had reddened after exposure to ultraviolet light (erythema). Several clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of witch hazel at reducing skin inflammation and erythema as a result of UV damage.
Human experiments have demonstrated suppression of UVB-mediated sunburn with topical application of a Hamamelis lotion.
Evidence strength: Preliminary but consistent. Multiple small trials support effectiveness against UV-induced erythema, though trials remain small and methodology varies.
5.3 Skin Irritation, Minor Wounds, and Diaper Dermatitis
Researchers studied 309 children and infants under the age of 12 who had diaper dermatitis, minor skin injuries, or skin inflammation. They found the treatment with witch hazel (hamamelis) ointment was as safe and effective as dexpanthenol ointment in improving these skin problems.
Applying witch hazel cream topically relieved mild skin irritation and sunburns in two studies of 54 participants.
Research shows that applying a specific witch hazel ointment (Hametum) to the skin appears to improve symptoms of skin injury or irritated skin as effectively as a dexpanthenol ointment in children.
Evidence strength: Moderate for minor skin irritation, particularly in children. The dexpanthenol-equivalence study (n=309) is among the stronger clinical data points for this ingredient.
5.4 Hemorrhoids
While witch hazel is widely used and recommended by many healthcare providers, the clinical evidence specifically for hemorrhoid treatment is moderate. A study in Arzneimittelforschung found that a witch hazel–based ointment was as effective as a standard anti-inflammatory cream for reducing hemorrhoidal symptoms including swelling and itching.
The European Medicines Agency recognizes witch hazel as a "traditional herbal medicinal product" for symptomatic relief of itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids.
Applying witch hazel water to the skin may help to temporarily relieve itching, discomfort, irritation, and burning from hemorrhoids and other anal disorders. The U.S. FDA's anorectal OTC monograph (21 CFR Part 346) permits witch hazel water as a Category I anorectal astringent for external use. FDA directions specify application to the affected area up to 6 times daily or after each bowel movement.
Evidence strength: Moderate. Regulatory recognition by EMA and FDA supports use for symptomatic relief. Controlled trials are limited in number and size, and evidence supports symptom relief rather than disease modification.
5.5 Scalp Sensitivity and Irritation
An observational study of 1,373 patients with irritated or itchy scalp found that using witch hazel products for 4 weeks significantly improved symptoms in the majority of patients.
Evidence strength: Preliminary. The observational design (no control group) limits causal inference, but the large sample size lends some weight to the findings.
5.6 Insect Bites and Erythema from External Stimuli
A study with 100 healthy human subjects found that products containing witch hazel reduced skin redness (erythema) following mosquito bites.
Evidence strength: Limited. A single trial with adequate sample size for a focused endpoint.
5.7 Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activity
Methanolic and aqueous extracts from witch hazel leaves inhibited the growth of S. oralis, S. pyogenes, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus, but not S. mutans. The extracts were especially active against staphylococcal species, with MIC values between 200 and 500 μg/mL.
The tannins in the bark have antiviral effects against influenza A virus, human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in laboratory studies. A witch hazel bark tannin extract and ultrafiltration concentrate inhibited early and later steps in the influenza A virus (IAV) life cycle. High molecular weight tannin–containing extracts and tannic acid inhibited both IAV receptor binding and neuraminidase activity, while low molecular weight compounds such as gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, or hamamelitannin inhibited neuraminidase but not hemagglutination.
Antiviral effects in herpes labialis were reported in a clinical trial of a Hamamelis ointment compared with placebo; however, a reduction in inflammation was only noted on day 8.
In healthy volunteers, a distillate of Hamamelis demonstrated only weak topical antibacterial activity.
Evidence strength: Largely in vitro and laboratory-based. Human clinical data on antiviral or antimicrobial effectiveness is very limited. Findings are mechanistically plausible but not clinically confirmed.
5.8 Anti-Acne Effects
Witch hazel is a plant widely used for skin inflammatory conditions with some preliminary anti-inflammatory evidence, but data on acne conditions was lacking until recently. One study evaluated the effect of a glycolic extract from Hamamelis virginiana bark against C. acnes–induced inflammation in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). This extract inhibited C. acnes–induced IL-6 release (IC50: 136.90 μg/mL) by partially impairing NF-κB activation; however, no antibacterial or antibiofilm activities were found.
Evidence strength: Preclinical only (cell-based). No human clinical trials specifically for acne vulgaris were identified. Results are mechanistically suggestive but not clinically confirmed.
5.9 Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency
Pharmacological studies have suggested that witch hazel strengthens veins and is anti-inflammatory. Topical creams are currently used in Europe to treat inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema. Traditional herbal medicine has used witch hazel orally as an astringent to help relieve symptoms associated with varicose veins, such as painful and heavy legs.
Evidence strength: Traditional use is recognized by ESCOP and EMA, but modern clinical trial data for varicose veins specifically is very limited.
5.10 Colon Cancer Cells (Preclinical Only)
Witch hazel bark is a rich source of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins reported to exert a protective action against colon cancer. Research published in the Journal of Natural Products characterized different witch hazel tannins as selective cytotoxic agents against colon cancer cells. Fractions from witch hazel bark rich in galloylated tannin showed anticancer potential against melanoma, with only mild cytotoxic effects on human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
Evidence strength: Preclinical (cell-based) only. These findings have not been investigated in human clinical trials and carry no direct therapeutic implication for cancer treatment.
6. Body Systems and Health Areas
- Integumentary (skin) system: The primary and best-evidenced area of application. Uses include topical management of minor wounds, bruises, burns, insect bites, diaper dermatitis, UV erythema, and inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and acne.
- Anorectal / colorectal: Symptomatic relief of hemorrhoids (itching, burning, irritation, minor bleeding) — recognized by both the FDA and EMA.
- Venous / vascular system: Traditional use for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, recognized by EMA and ESCOP; modern clinical trial evidence is limited.
- Oral mucosa: Traditionally used in herbal medicine as an astringent to help relieve mild inflammations of the mucous membranes of the mouth.
- Gastrointestinal system: Both bark and leaves have been used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.
- Ocular: Used in herbal medicine for the temporary relief of eye discomfort due to dryness of the eye or to exposure to wind or sun.
- Scalp: An observational study of 1,373 patients found that witch hazel products used for 4 weeks significantly improved symptoms of irritated or itchy scalp.
7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies and Monographs
The following dosages are drawn directly from official monographs and published studies:
- Topical distillate (undiluted or diluted): Steam distillates of Hamamelis are used diluted (1:3 with water) or undiluted, and in semisolid preparations at 5%–10% of crude drug.
- Topical lotion (UV erythema study): A lotion with 10% distilled witch hazel was used in a study of 40 people for UV-induced erythema.
- Rectal suppositories: Suppositories containing witch hazel contain from 0.1 to 1 g/dose.
- Anorectal topical: FDA directions specify application to the affected area up to 6 times daily or after each bowel movement.
- Ophthalmic solution: One part Hamamelis water diluted with 10 parts sterile water, for adolescents and adults 14 years and older.
- Topical compress: Applied as a compress to affected areas as needed; optionally diluted at one part witch hazel water to 3 parts water.
- Oral extract (historical, not recommended): Doses of Hamamelis extracts of 1 g have caused nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
8. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions
General Topical Safety
Witch hazel is generally safe for topical use, though some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Stomach upset may result from taking witch hazel by mouth. When applied to skin, it may, rarely, cause inflammation (contact dermatitis), but even children tend to tolerate it well on the skin.
Contact Dermatitis and Sensitization
Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported, and cross-sensitivity to Compositae plants (including arnica and chamomile) is possible. Prepared by distillation, the essential oil of witch hazel has such a small proportion of tannins or other polyphenols that it is unlikely to have any therapeutic effect, and may cause contact dermatitis when used topically.
Internal Use and Hepatotoxicity Risk
Although tannins are not usually absorbed following oral administration, doses of Hamamelis extracts of 1 g have caused nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Hepatic damage may occur if the tannins are absorbed to an appreciable extent. Hydrolysable tannins are broken down readily by acid, alkali, or certain enzymes to yield gallic or ellagic acid, and ultimately pyrogallol, which is antiseptic, caustic, and hepatotoxic. Thus if taken internally, it should be for the shortest time possible.
Although extracts of witch hazel are available commercially, they should not be taken internally because the toxicity of the tannins has not been well defined. Witch hazel water is not intended for internal use.
Safrole Content
Safrole was found at a level of less than 0.2% in witch hazel leaf oil. Safrole is a known carcinogen at high doses. Although witch hazel contains a known cancer-causing ingredient, there is likely no need for concern unless one regularly uses high concentrations — the amounts are very small.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Drug Interactions
When extracted in hot water, tannins can precipitate alkaloids from plants, drugs, proteins, salicylates, iodine, metals, minerals, and B vitamins, thereby slowing, reducing, or blocking their absorption. The drug-tannin reaction can interfere with dosing if sources of the two compounds are combined in solution prior to administration. This is most relevant when witch hazel preparations are taken orally alongside other medications or supplements.
Potential Confusion with Other Plants
During harvest, Hamamelis virginiana plants can be confused with Corylus avellana (hazelnut).
References
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